Details
The Arthur E Smith banjo company was one of the pioneers in what later became a revival of independent builders offering open-back banjos. Starting in late 1973, AE Smith built about 600 banjos before closing in 1980. This Northampton model, #119, is an early example of the same straightforward design of the Bart Reiter Standard that followed several years later. Nice substantial maple shell with rosewood binding and subtle marquetry on the edges. The tuners have been changed (the originals leaked lube oil onto the back of the headstock, which is why the finish color is uneven on that surface). We're assuming the reissue No Knot tailpiece and tube armrest are also recent additions but they are certainly in the correct style for this banjo. Fret wear is light, back of the neck has finish wear as shown in the photos. A cool banjo approaching its 50th birthday (same age as those mid-1920s Vega banjos Gryphon sold when we opened ....yikes!)
Specs
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Binding
rosewood on shell
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Fingerboard
Rosewood
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Finish
Nitrocellulose Lacquer
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Neck material
Mahogany
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Nut width
1 3/16"
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Scale length
26 5/8"
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Total frets
22
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Tuners
Planetary Geared Tuners
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Year
1975
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Diameter
11"
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Tone ring
Brass Hoop
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Case type
Hardshell
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Serial number
119
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SKU
AESNORTHAMPTON-119
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UPC
141576
